Spacetech startup Aule Space raises $2 million in round led by pi Ventures

Spacetech startup Aule Space has secured $2 million (about INR 18 Cr) in a pre-seed funding round led by deeptech-focused VC firm pi Ventures.

The round also saw participation from other angle investors including Tonbo Imaging CEO Arvind Lakshmikumar and Intelsat’s former board member Eash Sundaram. 

The startup plans to use the funds to expand its engineering team, build ground-based docking and testing infrastructure, and develop its first demonstration satellite, which is scheduled for launch next year.

Read also- Proptech startup Truva raises $9Mn from Stellaris and Orios Venture Partners

“There is no servicing infrastructure in space today. If a $300-500 Mn satellite runs out of fuel, it is simply discarded even though its electronics can work for years more. We are trying to change that,” Panchal said. 

Manish Singhal, founding partner at pi Ventures, said, “We believe Aule is building critical infrastructure for the next phase of the space economy across satellite servicing, orbital sustainability, and space security.”

Founded in 2024 by Jay Panchal, Nithyaa Giri and Hrishit Tambi, Aule Space is developing autonomous satellites that can dock with and service other satellites already in orbit. These satellites attach to existing ones and act as an additional propulsion system, helping them remain operational for a longer time.

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According to the startup, satellites in geostationary orbit worth over $100 billion are expected to stop generating revenue once they run out of fuel. Aule claims its “jetpack” satellites can extend the life of these satellites by up to six years by keeping them in their correct orbital position.

Initially, Aule is focusing on geostationary communication (GEO) satellites, which are among the most expensive and revenue-generating space assets. Since these satellites have similar designs, Aule can build a standard docking system that works for most of them.

The startup’s key strength is rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD), which allows one satellite to safely approach, maneuver around, and attach to another satellite in space.

In addition to commercial applications, Aule is also seeing interest from the defence sector, especially for satellite inspection and space security.

Aule Space has received early support from India’s space ecosystem, including seed funding of about ₹80 lakh from IN-SPACe.

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